We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your cookie settings, we assume that you consent to our use of cookies on this device. You can change your cookie settings at any time but if you do, you may lose some functionality on our website. More information can be found in our terms of use.

Sherlock Holmes Copyright owners to stop new movie

The owners of the copyright of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are suing Hollywood producers over a soon-to-be released movie which follows Sherlock Holmes during his retirement years.

The author's estate, which has been involved in several high-profile legal battles, has the director, distributor and studio behind the upcoming Mr. Holmes with a copyright complaint, claiming the plot infringes on the fictional stories written by Conan Doyle.

The Conan Doyle estate even wants the movie stopped from being released to the public in July and an array of damages for the infringement.

The estate also accuses writer Mitch Cullin and Penguin Random House, which published the book on which the film is based, of infringing on copyright.

They say the book, A Slight Trick of the Mind, has striking similarities to one of Conan Doyle's final Sherlock tales.

According to The Daily Telegraph, in a complaint filed in New Mexico, the estate said: 'Reviews of early screenings, together with trailers released in the United States, reveal that the motion picture uses the same elements from Conan Doyle's copyrighted stories.

'It is also suing the author and publishers of the book A Slight Trick of the Mind, on which the film is based, and demanding damages and a share of profits from both the film and book.'

If you'd like to know more about this article please send an email to Thomas Mould quoting the article title and any questions you might have, alternatively call the office number on 02380 235 979 or send an enquiry through our contact form.